People don’t seem to know how to handle someone showing them kindness.

A modest “thank you” can usually suffice.

Try this. Hold a door open for someone. Many people will not know how to acknowledge this simple move. They shrug, mutter something, a few smile, and if you are lucky a few do give a quiet thanks. Now imagine doing something much bigger. If people are not used to the simple acts of help… how can they accept the life-changing ones?

I am a very kind person. Overly kind at times. I step up. I’m comfortable with this position. It can cause a few problems but it’s better to deal with being “too kind” than “not giving a shit”.

Some people try to take advantage of my basic nature. I won’t let them. I give when and where I want. I am fully aware of what I’m doing and why. I am also fully aware of when I fail and when I could do better.

My religion asks and implores me to be kind. It is an Eastern philosophy and maybe that is why the overriding gestures seem suspect here in the west. A sad commentary. If we were all as kind as the Dalai Lama just imagine the state of mankind? Everything would change.

But we don’t all act with kindness…

My religion also asks me to give without expectations. That’s much harder to do. Be kind but don’t wait for a “thank you”. I find this much more difficult but I’m getting better at it. I can also see the rewards. Having no expectations and you will not be hurt. A very valuable lesson.

Don’t always assume there is a hidden agenda to someone’s kindness. They may be like me; trying to do their best, following their basic nature, attempting to be a better person. Don’t cloud a positive with a negative. Sometimes good is just good. Not everyone has a corrupt agenda.

If someone is kind to you please give them a heartfelt kindness in return. Whether a friend, family member, co-worker or random person on the street. A “thank you” can mean everything.

Kindness is a way to live; it is not a commodity to be bought, sold or bargained away.

I find being kind is like putting on your seat belt. If you do it enough times, it becomes a habit and eventually you do it without even thinking. As far as expecting any “kind” of acknowledgement, there would be no point. If one gives, one receives three fold whether it be a good or bad act. I find a simple nod of recognition is usually all it takes when someone shows a random act of kindness to me…if it’s a big showy act, then it must be celebrated, of course and then you pass it on to keep the momentum flowing.